sweet anticipation
new knowledge approaches
a freshman again

first day of class
i double check
this is the wrong room

new faces
everyone is as lost
as i am

100 99 98 . . .
and suddenly I awaken
in a different room

twelve hours daily
in the blistering heat
band camp

butterflies in my stomach
just say it already
he loves me too

one hundred eyes
mine scan the sea of strangers
and find you

ascending the hill
. . . still perfect
in his eyes

tightly holding hands
grip gets looser
roller coaster

new moon
shining
a budding romance

serene night
my love sleeping close
quietly breathing

in his arms
the next morning
she pretends to sleep

white dress and black tux
forever
sealed with a kiss

step into
diamonds on dark blue silk
midnight swim

blue moon
the fox stops
for a curl of warm tail

vast graveyard
mother nature's cold blanket
patiently waiting for new life

memories
of bedtime stories
now on my own

sea like eyes
warming touch
only in pictures you stare

walking hand in hand
kicking up dirt
the sun falls behind us

her child
yet she speaks now as if
I am an adult

one step
in the right direction
maybe

soft breathing
against the back of my neck
my lullaby

doorbell rings—
he quickly dries
sweaty palms

last year's regrets
midnight
a fresh start